The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards were announced Oct. 13, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place virtually Dec. 8.
Next is Cloud Industry Executive of the Year, Private Company finalist Jackie Ackerman, who’s vice president of data science at Cognosante. Here, she talks success in her role, proud career moments, overcoming career struggles and more.
What has made you successful in your current role?
I served in the Air Force during a 20-year period that spanned 9/11. That experience had a profound impact on my experiences and my career.
As an Air Force intelligence analyst, I spent my days collecting information from different sources to create a threat picture, then used that information to help air crews to complete missions safely. Having the tools to access, analyze and interpret data in a timely manner could make the difference between life and death, and that is a lesson I have carried with me ever since. The importance of the right tools and processes at work is no longer life and death, but the responsibility and the impact on the business are still significant.
At Cognosante, my team gathers and analyzes data to create a picture that decision-makers can use to act. While the mission may be different, the challenges and opportunities present are still related to protecting Americans through delivery of and improving access to care.
Overlapping or siloed data systems, system complexity, and other challenges are as frustrating in the civilian world as they are in the military. That’s what led us to develop Cognosante’s Cloud Data Ecosystem. We know how much timely, accurate information matters, and we are proud to have developed a solution that provides it.
I am particularly excited that, although the idea was informed by military experience, the innovative spirit of the private sector was what really allowed us to develop the concept and forge the partnerships to make it a reality.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
I am very proud to be part of an organization that is founded on the principles of commitment and service to others. Given my military background, it is personally important that I continue to serve veterans, individuals with disabilities and their families in some way. I joined J. Lodge, Cognosante’s wholly-owned subsidiary, in 2018 because I wanted to be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
Being part of Cognosante has created access to even greater opportunities to serve a wider range of important segments of our population. For example, I am actively involved in Cognosante’s Veteran Employee Resource Group, which provides training, mentoring and career advancement for veteran employees and their spouses.
At the end of the day, the people are what matter most. I can honestly say that I have never worked in an organization with a stronger spirit of collaboration. The camaraderie, sense of mission and determination to succeed make it a joy to come to work each day.
How do you help shape the next generation of government leaders/industry leaders?
It really comes down to building a culture of growth — professional and personal. I believe in building communities of practice, in which employees’ shared passion and drive inspires curiosity and learning. Mentoring, training and coaching are a big part of that, but it is also critical to develop a strong team identity. By building a shared vision, we can build a dynamic team that will evolve and grow together.
Which rules do you think you should break more as a government/industry leader?
It is easy for organizations to fall into the trap of doing things the same way they have always been done. To solve industrywide problems, leaders need to foster a culture that encourages employees to identify solutions and gives them the autonomy to pursue those ideas.
In previous roles, my desire to innovate and improve meant that I was often asking for forgiveness — rather than permission — in the name of progress. At Cognosante, we are encouraged to push boundaries and question existing processes so asking for forgiveness is no longer necessary.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the opportunities I have had to help others grow and succeed. When I see someone on my team get promoted, move to a more challenging position, or take a risk using a skill set that I may have helped them acquire, it makes me proud.
What was your biggest career struggle and how did you overcome it?
Just like cloud technology, data science is a highly technical field, and the technology is constantly changing. With change comes evolving customer needs and our desire to be true partners as our customers progress along their modernization journeys.
Enhanced cloud capabilities, improvements in data management and tools that centralize the command of data all have the potential to increase speed to insight, but keeping pace with those innovations can be a full-time job.
Over time, I have learned to absorb as much as I can, while understanding that I don’t need to know everything myself. Building a network, knowing where to go with questions and not being afraid to seek expertise and counsel when I am outside of my comfort zone is key.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Surround yourself with people who model your core values. Treat others – employees, leaders, customers and partners — the way you want to be treated. The golden rule is as true in the workplace as it is in every other aspect of life.